The Michigan-based furniture maker Steelcase has a long and distinguished history, but collectors focus on its vintage office furniture and desk chairs from the 1950s to the ’70s, when, along with such companies as Knoll and Herman Miller, the firm helped define the aesthetics of American mid-century modernism.
Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids in 1912 as the Metal Office Furniture Company, promoting steel desks and other furnishings as safer, fireproof alternatives to wooden pieces at a time when smoking in the workplace was common. Boston’s first skyscraper — the 32-story Customs House — was furnished by the company in 1915. Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect and furniture designer whose work had a profound influence on the shape of modern life, turned to the firm in 1937 to fabricate the enameled metal chairs and desks for his Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
In the 1950s, when Steelcase formally adopted the name it still uses today, the company developed a sleek and functional style employing rectilinear chrome frames for glass-topped tables and upholstered seating pieces. The look is similar to that of the minimal, Bauhaus-inspired designs of Florence Knoll, another icon of furniture design who helped shape the ethos of the postwar business world.
By the 1970s, Steelcase had enlivened its styling, offering such pieces as chairs and side tables designed by Gardner Leaver, with circular bases and curving supports. As you will see on these pages, Steelcase designs offer a perfect foundation for a modernist decor, with a touch of flair.
Find vintage Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.
Modern HON F3 Series Multipurpose Stackable Guest Chairs - a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous pair of HON F3 series multipurpose stackable guest chairs. This series is known for its passive flexing motion for comfort and integrated fixed arms for a clean, professiona...
Steel
Modern Minimalist Topstar Open 30 Stacking Guest Chairs Made in Germany - a Pair
By Topstar
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous pair of Open 30 ergonomic stacking guest chairs made in Germany by Topstar. These sleek chairs emphasize minimalist aesthetics combined with dynamic comfort. Features a flex...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Contemporary Aurora Guest Chairs by Kimball and National, Brand New - a Pair
By Kimball Manufacturing Co.
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Aurora is a versatile and elegant chair that delivers relaxed comfort and exceptional support. This fabulous clean-lined chair will bring classy luxury and sophistication to any environment, and it's appropriate for residential and commercial use. Very versatile can be used as a dining, side or guest chair. Please note the price listed is for a pair (two chairs) Specifications: Upholstered seat in multi-color fabric, brown, gold, and dark gray. Natural wood back. Satin nickel powder coat frame. Model: Aurora Made by: Kimball International and National office furniture...
Steel
Modern Contemporary Edgar Reuter for Coalesse Khaki Pasio Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Steelcase, Coalesse
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Pasio lounge is well constructed with high-end quality materials and craftsmanship, Very comfortable and the contemporary modern design make this lounge appropriate for residential and commercial use, Please note the price listed is for a Pair "Two chairs" Specifications: Upholstery: Multiple densities of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber on seat, back and arms Fabric: 100% Polyester, Color Beige Khaki and Brown Solid maple legs dark mahogany finish with non-adjustable glides Frame: Plywood tab construction Model: Pasio Lounge # 263 Designed by: Edgar Reuter...
Fabric, Polyester, Maple, Plywood
Contemporary Modern Hickory Business Furniture HBF Guest Armchairs, Pair
By HBF
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Beautiful pair of guest or dining armchairs, well-constructed with high-end quality material. The contemporary modern design makes these chairs great for home or office use. Please...
Fabric, Wood
Traditional Steelcase Topaz European Beech Wood Guest or Dining Chairs, a Pair
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous pair of Steelcase Topaz European beech wood guest or dining chairs. The Topaz chair offers fine details and exquisite craftsmanship in a traditional contemporary style that ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Mid-century Office Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four armchairs by Steelcase Furniture. Polished chrome frames are sturdy and modern. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Chrome
Set of Mid-Century Modern Conference Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of six vintage dining or conference chairs feature upholstered faux-leather upholstery and polished aluminum frames. Comfortable proportions and padding combined with the cl...
Herman Miller Rolling Office Chairs, Pair
By Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s Measures: 18" W x 19" D x 3...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Modern Stacking Armchairs, Pair
By Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Modern stacking armchairs or office chairs By Herman Miller USA, 1998 Tubular aluminum and chrome frames, with upholstered seats and backs. Measures: 23.75...
Aluminum, Chrome
Modern Pair Off-White and Chrome Accent or Dining Armchairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of modern chrome accent or dining armchairs with an off-white gaberdine-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The chrome has been cleaned and polished and is gleaming. The fabric is in awesome condition. The back of one chair had come loose and was reattached by our experienced staff. Please see photos, circa 1986. The perfect pair. The perfect pair of fabulous accent chairs! This handsome set was made by Steelcase, circa 1986. They probably began life in an office or lobby, but their sleek modern styling will be oh so awesome in a home setting just about anywhere. Imagine them as extra seating in your living room or flanking a door in an entry. They would also be fabulous as the host and hostess chair at your dining table mixed with just about any design style. Or place them at a small table for two...
Chrome
Modern Set of 4 Steelcase Swivel Dining or Game Chairs 4 Prong Chrome Bases
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Modern set of 4 Steelcase dining or game armchairs composed of swivel, manual height & tension adjustable 4 prong chrome bases with casters, chrome shafts, arm ...
Chrome
